The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) as one pathway to eligibility for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT™) Exam, which is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).

To take the RPSGT Exam on or after July 1, 2008, both on-the-job trainees and health-care professionals with accepted credentials are required to have successfully completed the 14, online AASM A-STEP Self-Study Modules. Candidates have the option of also completing the 80-hour, AASM A-STEP Introductory Course in preparation for the study modules. The more intensive training of the Introductory Course is recommended for beginners to the field.

Beginning in 2010, all exam candidates who are on-the-job trainees will be required to pass the AASM A-STEP Introductory Course before successfully completing the AASM A-STEP Self-Study Modules.

After July 1, 2008 , the only exam candidates who will not be required to enroll in A-STEP are those who have successfully completed a sleep technology training program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In 2012 the completion of a CAAHEP-accredited sleep technology program will be required for all RPSGT Exam candidates.

Candidates should visit the Web site of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) for complete details about the RPSGT Exam, including exam dates, fees and eligibility requirements such as clinical experience and accepted credentials.

Contact the AASM national office for more information about A-STEP and the RPSGT Exam.